Liverpool Uncovered: Daniel Sturridge may be privately frustrated but should accept this

IT WOULD be understandable if Daniel Sturridge admitted privately to a degree of frustration at the moment and not only over his inability to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice striking options.

Daniel Sturridge has been forced to settle for a bit-part role at Liverpool this season

But for the width of the crossbar at Anfield he might be joining up with his England colleagues for the international break off the back of successive hat-tricks against Tottenham in the EFL Cup and Watford in the Premier League.

He didn’t and he isn’t. But he scored two which could have easily been three in a performance against Spurs which manager Klopp described as “brilliant” and then went goalless against Watford despite a 19-minute cameo against Watford in which he rattled the bar twice and had two efforts well saved by Costel Pantilimon.

Yet in contrast to somewhat predictable suggestions that Sturridge might be looking for a move away from Anfield in the January transfer window, the Liverpool striker or his representatives would be well-advised to squash them at the first opportunity.

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Daniel Sturridge has been used as a supersub by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp this season

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Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino have formed a devastating front three at Liverpool

Liverpool will not sell a proven goalscorer to a title rival and Daniel Sturridge is not about to join West Brom

Not only is he in a good place - probably the best place he can hope for - he has a role as a ‘supersub' which could prove the difference for Liverpool this winter if, that is, he is big enough to embrace it.

Sturridge's history of injury troubles, of Liverpool sticking by him and making him the focal point for so much hope under previous regimes have created a potential problem.

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Which of Jurgen Klopp’s stars have scored Liverpool’s Premier League goals this season?

Which of Jurgen Klopp’s stars have scored Liverpool’s Premier League goals this season?

But is there is a better substitute to hit tiring defences late in games operating in the Premier League at the moment? Almost certainly not.

Klopp indicated last week that the club would look to be active in the January window but as buyers not sellers with a striker or winger a priority. They will be lucky to get someone as effective as Sturridge.

In addition Liverpool will not sell a proven goalscorer to a title rival and Sturridge is not about to join West Brom.

The long-term injury to Danny Ings and African Cup of Nations duty for Sadio Mane in January (he could miss up two five matches) are sure to see Sturridge come to the fore as the season progresses and Klopp’s front three need rotating from the high intensity of his pressing game.

If their goals keep flowing and Liverpool stay on the front foot Sturridge, who Klopp is in no doubt is a “a finisher” of the highest order could find himself working half an hour every week and getting a hatful.

His work-rate, tackling and recovery of possession statistics have never been at the same level as the other three for all that he appears to understand Klopp’s methodology.

His goalscoring prowess though? That has never been in doubt. If he chooses to accept a reduced role he could be the difference between near miss and glory for Liverpool.